Emma Eichinger, left, 6, and Shelley Eichinger, participated in the circus with their pug P-Chan during the annual Pug Fair at Stonelick Township State Park Sept. 22.

Emma Eichinger, left, 6, and Shelley Eichinger, participated in the circus with their pug P-Chan during the annual Pug Fair at Stonelick Township State Park Sept. 22.

By Kristin Bednarski
Sun staff

The “Greatest Pug Show on Earth” was held Sept. 22 at Stonelick Township State Park, and hundreds of residents attended the event with Pugs of all shapes and sizes in tow.

The Pug Fair featured a variety of activities for Pug owners and other animal lovers including shopping vendors, a circus, a parade, opportunities for dogs to socialize and much more.

In addition, the event also raised funds for Ohio Pug Rescue, a non-profit organization that rescues Pugs and helps place them in good homes.

“It was wonderful, we had a great day,” Debbie Tolle, event organizer and member of the Cincinnati Pug Meet-up Group, said. “I never looked over that I didn’t see people coming in and people going out. It was a constant flow.”

Tolle estimated that more than 500 people attended the event throughout the day.

She said they had more vendors at the event this year selling products that ranged from pet toys and costumes to candles and jewelry.

Also, since the theme this year was the ‘Greatest Pug Show on Earth,’ Tolle said the event featured activities that focused on the theme.

There were clowns and a stilt walker at the event and Pugs were able to participate in a circus of their own by completing obstacles that included teeter totter, balance beam and more.

Many Pugs also participated in a parade dressed in costumes that ranged from a clown to Bret Michaels from Poison.

“It’s fun,” Jalah Harris, of Hamilton, said about the event.

Harris brought her two Pugs, Pugzilla and Uno, who participated in the circus and were able to socialize with many other dogs.

“I’ve never been to one before,” Harris said about the Pug Fair. “The boys are liking it and meeting new friends.”

Jim and Betty Jackson, of Bethel, brought their Pug, Jazzy, to the event and said they come every year.

“We enjoy looking at the dogs and looking at the costumes,” Betty Jackson said. “And mostly so she can see other dogs.”

Tolle said having meet-up events for Pug owners was important to her because of how much she enjoys the breed.

“What we say is we love all dogs and pets, we just celebrate the awesomeness of the Pug,” Tolle said.

Tolle said having the Pug Fair each year is a fun way she feels she can help.

“I know that Ohio Pug Rescue does a lot of hard work to place dogs in ohio and find them forever homes,” Tolle said. “This is my way of helping out.”

Tolle said after expenses, all of the proceeds from the event go directly to Ohio Pug Rescue. She estimated that this year they came close to raising $4,000 for the organization.

For more information about Ohio Pug Rescue visit www.ohiopugrescue.com. For more information about the Cincinnati Pug Meet-up Group or the Pug Fair, visit www.meetup.com/cincinnati-pugs.